Several weeks ago I was asked to help create a "Character" lesson plan for our school advisory classes. After doing a bit of research and thinking about the season I was drawn to a Character Counts lesson on Thanking Everyday Heroes. A simple request was then put out to all the teachers to have their students consider writing a thank you letter to our troops for Thanksgiving. The drawings and letters poured into the box and I was touched by the hearts of our students. As I packed up the letters and artwork I wanted to document some of the words and images to share with others and give hope for the kindness in minds of the youth today. Looking forward to our country's future I am proud of the students of Space Center for their kindness and recognition of the continued sacrifice by our troops.

Here are a few quotes from the students' in thanks to our soldiers protecting our freedoms:"Everyone in this country is very thankful for you serving this country and letting us live in happiness, freedom and protecting us from terrorists and other bad people."

"Thank you for putting your lives at risk in order to protect ours."

"I know your family and friends miss you and can't wait until you come home."

"YOU are NOT forgotten. You guys are amazing and are truly heroes."

"You are more than superman, you are our real heroes."

In this season of Thanksgiving and with Veterans' Day just around the corner I hope you will take a few moments and send thanks to the troops who have given their lives in service to our country. We sent our letters to the troops through the organization "A Million Thanks".I hope our messages of thanks will inspire you to take a moment and send greetings to a soldier.

Christmas/holiday cards and letters should be postmarked no later than December 1.A Million Thanks17853 Santiago Blvd. #107-355 Villa Park, CA 92861